The Newtown Jets have won in spectacular fashion against the Illawarra Cutters in the VB NSW Cup sudden death elimination final played at Kogarah Oval on Sunday. In keeping with the quality of the last game these two teams played in, it was a thrilling encounter, that left the large Jets fan base present, in total rapture.

The conditions were perfect when both teams took to the field. There were no signs of finals nerves as the players settled into the rhythm of the game.

It was clear from the outset that Daniel Mortimer for Newtown was switched on, creating fast passes and running hard at the Cutters lines. He soon found himself with the first try of the match when Sydney Roosters team mate Mose Masoe made a crunching run through the Illawarra defense before offloading to the awaiting Mortimer who slammed the ball into the turf. He also took the conversion and the Jets took an opening lead at 6-0.

Newtown were soon again on the scoreboard when Peni Tagive took full advantage of a penalty and scored a try. With a Mortimer conversion the Jets skipped out to a 12-0.

Illawarra needed to get back into the game and were shortly awarded a penalty, were Michael Lett took full advantage, scoring his sides first try of the day. Bronx Goodwin made sure of the extras, Jets 12-6.

The Cutters confidence lifted and they began to challenge the Jets with excellent runs and solid defensive tackling.Newtown’s season habit of poor ball security started creeping into their game. Illawarra sought out every opportunity to create pressure on the Jets carry.

The half ended with both teams tied up at 12-12. It was looking like a repeat of the thrilling match played at Henson Park a couple of weeks earlier where the game was decided on the last kick of the day.

The Cutters began the half where they had left off, challenging the Jets who were being put under enormous pressure from the big Illawarra forward pack. They were rewarded for their toil when a penalty was awarded ten meters out from the tryline

Somehow communication lines were blurred as to whether or not the Cutters should take the 2 points. Illawarra coach Paul “Mary” McGregor could be heard in the adjacent coaches room, bellowing out instructions to his trainer to “take the two” but somehow he missed the play call. Luckily the solid frame of forward Jarrad Hickey steamrolled through the Jets defense on the first tackle and the Cutters had the lead. Goodwin converted, Cutters up 18-12

Newtown were now in serious trouble as the confidence levels of the Illawarra side were high. They kept coming at the Jets and were rewarded by some excellent play from Jeremy Smith who offloaded an excellent pass to “the cricketer” in David Gower.

Goodwin missed the conversion, but the Cutters lead had increased to 22-12.

Illawarra scored again when they were awarded a very light penalty in scoring range. Daniel Mortimer expressed frustration at referee Matt Noyen but It was to no avail as Bronx Goodwin made sure of the two points, Cutters 24-12.

The Jets needed a special play to get back into the game and it came via a superb run from Adam Henry who passed to Nafe Sulalai and Newtown were alive and kicking.Daniel Mortimer made sure of the extra points, Cutters 22-18

Incredibly the Jets lifted with the Cutters appearing to have run out of legs in the last twenty minutes of the game. Newton’s cause wasn't helped by a number of calls that were questionable from referee Noyen, but as all good sides do, they forget the whistle and concentrated on their game.

Jack Bosden tied up the game for Newtown when he scored a try. The Bluebags fans roared their approval from the stands at Kogarah as Daniel Mortimer kicked the conversion 24-24.

Amazingly, this game was heading for a sensational, nail-biting finish with the season of both clubs on the line.

Newtown would have none of the last minute final play dramatics and took the game by the scruff of the neck when best on ground player Daniel Mortimer made a superb scoring run over the tryline. The Jets were now in the lead and in total control over a tiring Illawarra side. 30-24.

The Jets weren't finished yet when Saulala Houma slammed the ball down close to the posts. Mortimer added the extras and with that Newtown had booked their passage to a semi finals berth 36-24.

To Illawarra’s credit they never gave up, scoring a consolation try, but the Jets reigned supreme winning in stellar fashion 36-30.

Newtown now face a tough assignment against the North Sydney Bears next week at Leichhardt Oval. The Bears were surprisingly beaten by the Newcastle Knights and will be keen to bounce back. The Jets will be confident taking some excellent form out of this game.

For Illawarra they were not disgraced, they had the game in the bag midway through the second half, but seemed to tire in the warm spring conditions. It was an excellent effort by the Cutters on their debut season in the NSW Cup and will be a formidable team next season.

Hey look I’m a Jet, Mose Masoe (with ball) on another typical run at the Cutters defense at Kogarah Oval on Sunday.